The Springboks will play three successive matches at Twickenham this year, twice against England and once against a World XV. The last test will have official status.

The Boks will also start their year on June 3 against a World XV at Ellis Park and former World Cup-winning coach Bob Dwyer will coach the team.

It is understood former Bok captain Andre Vos will play against the Springboks in the first leg of the two-test deal. Other players to be involved include former All Black flyhalf Carlos Spencer (now with Northampton), former All Black scrumhalf Justin Marshall (Leeds), French utility back Thomas Castignede, and former All Black winger Bruce Reihana. Andrew Mehrtens has also been mentioned.

The last time a World XV team played in South Africa was in 1989. The Boks won the first Test 20-19 in Cape Town and the second 22-16 in Jo’burg.

The World XV will stay in Johannesburg in the week leading up to the Ellis Park game and together with Dwyer will conduct several clinics for schools and coaches.

The visitors will also play a Western Province XV on 10 June.

The Boks end of year tour will include four tests against Ireland (Dublin), England (Twickenham), England (Twickenham) and World XV (Twickenham).